Senators News

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators (@Senators) today announced the names of the 24 players who have been invited to take part in a four-team round-robin tournament from Sept. 13 to 15 at the Budweiser Gardens in London, Ont. The rookie camp and tournament marks the official launch of the Senators’ pre-season, presented by Canadian Tire and Jumpstart. Joining the Senators prospects at the tournament will be rosters comprised of prospects from the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins and host Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Senators rookies will be led by Luke Richardson, head coach of the Binghamton Senators, and assistants Steve Stirling and Tim Marks. Ottawa’s hockey staff will also be in London for the tournament.

The squad is comprised of two goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards (the roster is available below). Thirteen (13) players were drafted by the Senators, two were obtained as part of the package that saw Jason Spezza traded to Dallas in July, four were signed as free agents and five players will be participating under tryout agreements.

Fourteen (14) of the invited players skated in American Hockey League action last season (12 of whom did so with Binghamton) while goaltender Andrew Hammond was recalled to Ottawa on two occasions and made his NHL debut with the Senators in late February. The Senators’ 2014 rookie tournament roster is also comprised of two recent first-round NHL draft picks – Curtis Lazar (17th, 2013) and Matt Puempel (24th, 2011).

The Senators rookies are scheduled to begin this year’s camp with a practice at the Bell Sensplex on Friday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m. before leaving for the tournament.

The Senators have participated in 13 rookie tournaments since their first appearance in 1999. The team most recently participated in a rookie tournament in September, 2013, which was also held in London, Ont. Ottawa won the tournament in emerging with three victories in three games, including a 6-2 win over Toronto in the tournament finale.